Maria Menounos will never forget what it was like to hold her baby girl for the first time. “It was the most special moment of my life,” recalls the 45-year-old star, who welcomed daughter Athena Alexandra on June 23 via surrogate alongside her husband, Keven Undergaro. “The doctor literally grabbed her and hiked her onto me. I sat with her on my chest, and Keven and I kept looking at each other like, ‘Oh, my God.’ It was just pure joy.” Adds Undergaro: “It was like Christmas morning times a million.”
Menounos’ 10-year journey to motherhood has been a long and difficult one. Infertility issues led to IVF treatments, which were halted when the Heal Squad podcast host and former E! News anchor was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017; the tumor was removed, and she was given a clean bill of health, but her neurosurgeon advised her against carrying a child. When their first surrogate fell through in 2020, Menounos had all but given up hope — then she and 55-year-old Undergaro, the founder of AfterBuzz TV, announced they were expecting in February. “Athena is our miracle baby,” she says. “I’m so grateful for her.”
Congratulations! How does it feel to be a mom?
MM Better than I could’ve ever imagined. It’s euphoric. For so long, I’ve felt something’s been missing. I’d go to kids’ birthday parties, and I’d be a little sad because I wanted my own family. And now I feel so grounded, like I finally know where I belong.
What have the first few weeks been like at home with Athena?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 31, 2023-Ausgabe von Us Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 31, 2023-Ausgabe von Us Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
SCENES FROM Keke's Life
The multihyphenate mom entertains and empowers with a new book that's part memoir, part self-help guide
They Found Their Happily Ever After!
Bachelorette Joan Vassos gave her final rose to Chock Chapple and he gave her aring! In an Us exclusive, they talk about tying the knot not too soon), blending families and changing a black hole” of a future to one of hope
Jennifer Love Hewitt Turning Grief Into Growth
It's been 12 years since the actress lost her adored mom, but with a new book and TV movie, she faces up to the pain and reveals how tiny gestures and good intentions have brought magic back into her life
Charles & William Game of Thrones
As King Charles continues his cancer battle, plans for his son Prince William to succeed him are underway. Sources shed light on how the inevitable changing of the guard is causing tension behind palace doors
Jennifer Talks Money, Movies & Living in a Haunted House!
She's one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood. But Jennifer Coolidge admits that there are a few misconceptions about her.
The Early Aughts Are in Fashion Again
The controversial looks of the 2000s seem to have come back around dazzlingly fast - so what is it about Y2K that's making stylish stars try their luck with low-rise jeans?
Why Joaquim & Gisele Aren't Rushing Into Marriage
They may be expecting, but Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are in no rush to tie the knot.
Inside Teddi's Affair with Her Horse Trainer
It seems we finally have answers as to what may have led to the sudden split of Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave: The RHOBH alum had an affair with her married horse trainer, Simon Schroeder (inset).
Blessed With a Rainbow Baby
The couple are thrilled and excited” to be expecting following a devastating pregnancy loss
Ted Danson on Secret to Marriage With 'Magnificent' Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson has worked with thousands of creatives in his nearly 50-year acting careerand out of all of Hollywood, there's one name he's eager to see on the call sheet again.
